Article March 6, 1920 Issue

The Gates of Jerusalem

S. ELLA SHELHAMER

In the book of Revelation, following a vivid description of the twelve gates of Jerusalem, we read, "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there." In the Glossary to "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 584) Mrs. Eddy defines day as "the irradiance of Life; light, the spiritual idea of Truth and Love." It is obvious from this that they who would enter the gates of the holy city must become imbued with the light of divine Science, their thought cleansed from the darkness of error or material sense. The separate gate for each of the twelve tribes of Israel surely prefigures the individuality of God's ideas and shows that the approach to the Holy of Holies is by way of individual demonstration. Therefore the incident which marks a milestone in spiritual progress for one person may not constitute the same for though the metaphysical reasoning accompanying such an experience may be helpful.

We may not be called upon as was Moses to turn aside to behold the bush which "burned with fire," but we may hear the voice of God saying, "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Nor may we be commanded as was Elijah the prophet, to "go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord;" but all who will are privileged to listen to the "still small voice."

It may be helpful in this connection to relate an experience which proved far-reaching in the early practice of one Christian Scientist. On being called to the home of a young and afflicted mother, it was seen that the first imperative need was to care for the wants of some small children and to bring order out of disorder in the home; for it was not possible to give a quiet treatment under the existing conditions. No other hands were available for this work, so the task was undertaken. At first a sense of repugnance at the nature and magnitude of the work was almost overwhelming, and a little whisper crept into thought that such work was not to be included in the practice of Christian Science; moreover, was it not at that moment delaying the all-important treatment? This erroneous suggestion was met with a vigorous denial, and a fervent prayer was sent up for help. This prayer took the form of petition, and the silent appeal was, "Father, help me to do Thy work in Thy way." At times all that could be retained in thought above the sound of weeping children and the stress of work was the latter part of the sentence, "Thy work in Thy way." This lifted thought above disorder and inharmony into communion with divine order and eternal harmony.

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